The vineyard is buzzing with life as we head deeper into summer, and we’re excited to share how the 2025 growing season is progressing. While the year began with a slower start than usual, July has brought a welcome shift—and with it, signs of a strong, healthy crop on the horizon.
The 2025 growing season began on a cooler, slower note. May brought below-average temperatures and light rainfall, which delayed early vine growth. By the end of the month, our new shoots reached just 18 inches in length—significantly shorter than the typical 30 inches we expect at that stage.
Though the early pace was subdued, the vineyard was simply biding its time.
Just in time for the critical fruit set stage in mid-June, the weather made a timely shift. Warmer temperatures and dry, sunny skies arrived, creating ideal conditions for berry development.
Fruit set is one of the most important turning points in the vineyard—it determines the number of berries on each cluster and ultimately sets the stage for the quality and quantity of the vintage. Thanks to the favorable conditions, we saw a strong, even set across the vineyard, building a solid foundation for the months ahead.
With summer fully in charge, July ushered in hot, dry conditions that have continued to accelerate vine growth. The vineyard canopy is now filling out, clusters are taking shape, and our team has been hard at work managing both the vines and the fruit zone.
One of the most important vineyard tasks this month is leaf plucking—the strategic removal of leaves in the fruiting zone (about three feet above the ground). This creates a 12-inch band of exposed grape clusters that allows for:
Enhanced sun exposure, which improves flavor and phenolic development
Better airflow, which helps reduce the risk of mildew or other fungal issues
More even ripening, especially important for our red varietals
This practice is labor-intensive, but critical to producing the premium-quality, estate-grown wines we’re known for.
With berry and cluster development progressing steadily, we’re optimistic about what lies ahead. The ideal scenario? Continued warm, dry weather through August and into September and October—conditions that help us achieve optimal ripeness and flavor concentration before harvest begins.
We’ll continue to monitor the vineyard closely, adapting our practices as needed and responding to whatever nature throws our way. But for now, the vines are thriving, and we’re feeling hopeful for a standout 2025 vintage.
Stay tuned for our August update, where we’ll share details on veraison—the moment the grapes begin to change color and ripen. Until then, we’ll be in the vineyard, keeping a watchful eye on this promising season.
